Translational Control of Entrainment and Synchrony of the Suprachiasmatic Circadian Clock by mTOR/4E-BP1 Signaling

Protein synthesis is critical for circadian clock function, but little is known of how translational regulation controls the master pacemaker in mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Here we demonstrate that the pivotal translational repressor, the eukaryotic translational initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), is rhythmically regulated via the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in the SCN and preferentially represses vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip) mRNA translation. Knockout (KO) of Eif4ebp1 (gene encoding 4E-BP1) leads to upregulation of VIP and higher amplitude of molecular rhythms in the SCN. Consequently, the 4E-BP1 null mice exhibit accelerated re-entrainment to a shifted light/dark cycle and are more resistant to the rhythm-disruptive effects of constant light. Conversely, in Mtor+/− mice VIP expression is decreased and susceptibility to the effects of constant light is increased. These results reveal a key role for mTOR/4E-BP1-mediated translational control in regulating entrainment and synchrony of the master clock. •4E-BP1 activity is rhythmically regulated by the circadian clock via mTOR signaling•4E-BP1 preferentially represses Vip mRNA translation•mTOR/4E-BP1 regulates entrainment and synchrony of the SCN clock through VIP Cao et al. show that the pivotal translational repressor 4E-BP1 regulates entrainment and synchrony of the suprachiasmatic circadian clock by repressing vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip) mRNA translation, thus revealing a previously unappreciated role of translational control in circadian clock physiology.